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Tempe City Hall: An Inverted Icon

Discover Tempe's iconic inverted pyramid, a symbol of innovative architecture and downtown revitalization.

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Tempe City Hall, an inverted pyramid, is a distinctive landmark and the center of Tempe's municipal government. Designed by architects Michael and Kemper Goodwin, its unique shape was created to conserve energy and revitalize downtown Tempe.

A brief summary to Tempe City Hall

Local tips

  • Visit the City Hall during business hours to view the architecture and public spaces.
  • Explore the surrounding Harry E. Mitchell Government Complex, including plazas, gardens, and pedestrian bridges.
  • Attend a City Council meeting to observe local government in action (check the city website for schedules).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mill Avenue District, head east on 5th Street. Tempe City Hall is located at 31 E 5th St, a short walk from most points in the downtown area. The distinctive inverted pyramid shape is easily visible.

  • Public Transport

    The Tempe Transportation Center is located a few blocks west of City Hall. From the Transportation Center, walk east on 5th Street to reach City Hall. Valley Metro Rail and several bus routes serve the Tempe Transportation Center. A single ride on Valley Metro costs $2.

  • Parking

    The City Hall Parking Garage is located directly across the street from Tempe City Hall at 117 E 5th St. The first hour of parking is free, and additional hours are $1.50, with a daily maximum of $12. Parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Unlock the Best of Tempe City Hall

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Discover more about Tempe City Hall

Tempe City Hall is more than just a government building; it's an architectural statement and a symbol of Tempe's revitalization. Completed in 1971, the inverted pyramid design by Michael and Kemper Goodwin was born from a desire to create an iconic structure while also addressing the desert climate. The building's unusual shape is not just for show. The 45-degree angle of the pyramid maximizes solar gain in the winter and minimizes it in the summer, helping to regulate the building's temperature and reduce energy costs. The structure is primarily a steel frame with thick, tempered glass. The ground floor occupies a small footprint, with the building expanding outwards as it rises. The selection of this location for the City Hall was a key decision in revitalizing Tempe's downtown. City officials initially considered moving the City Hall to a more geographically central location, but the architects convinced them to keep it downtown, sparking a widely acclaimed revitalization. The building stands on the same site as the original 1914 City Hall. The original City Hall was designed by Leighton Green Knipe in a neoclassical style. Visitors are welcome to explore the building and its surrounding plazas, gardens, and pedestrian bridges. The Tempe City Council Chambers, where the city's official business is conducted, are located in a semi-buried basement level and are open to the public.

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